Author Archives: john graham

“Bright Sun and Long Shadows”

Posted on January 23, 2014 by john graham

A mild January day, no plans and no excuses.   Time to take a step on my Health Ladder – Tai Chi in the garden first, porridge and honey next. Then it’s all new walking boots and Christmas present socks and brand … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 3 Comments

“Double Triple Talk”

Posted on January 21, 2014 by john graham

Continued from two previous posts. In making his New Year announcement on maintaining the pension triplelock until 2020, the Prime Minister said it was a choice based on his values – “I want people, when they reach retirement, to know … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Triplelock Triple Take”

Posted on January 19, 2014 by john graham

The “Triplelock” was introduced in 2010 and intended to give reassurance to pensioners about their income from the State.  It links annual state pension increases to the highest of inflation, average wage increases or 2.5%. Sounds simple enough, but everything … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Pension Double Take”

Posted on January 16, 2014 by john graham

David Cameron has suddenly rediscovered pensioners.  In his New Year’s resolutions for 2014, he has announced a vote-catching promise to extend the triplelock on pension increases for the life of the next Parliament.    Sounds good  ????? In Daily Mail speak that … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Stay Active, Stay Young” 2

Posted on January 14, 2014 by john graham

Just before Christmas 2013 I was writing about the importance for older people of staying active (click on this link to see the earlier blog –  Stay Active, Stay Young). In response to the blog, I received a reply from my most … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 1 Comment

“Granny Knows Best”

Posted on January 12, 2014 by john graham

After multi-million pounds have been spent on medical research into heart disease, the drug industry came up with a new wonder drug “STATINS”.  Now the accepted drug of choice for many doctors and millions of their pill hungry patients.  In … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 1 Comment

“iPhone Geek”

Posted on January 5, 2014 by john graham

As a new old geek on the block, whenever I go out now it is essential that I can be in contact with all my Facebook, Twittering, Texting friends at all times.    So I need a mobile phone.    Not one of … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Geeky New Year

Posted on January 1, 2014 by john graham

New Years Day  everywhere is supposed to be closed for the bank holiday, but not the internet which is 24 / 7 / 365.    Ever alert  / ever available / everywhere. So to mix my media.   I was reading last year’s article in … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 2 Comments

“All Fall Down”

Posted on December 29, 2013 by john graham

Here is a welcome bit of research for elderly ladies who like the odd tipple! “Wine drinkers have a lower risk of fractures” It comes from that rather dubious source of serious research – The University of California (see my … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 4 Comments

“Stay Active – Stay Young”

Posted on December 22, 2013 by john graham

Interesting research from Texas University in Dallas reported in the Journal of Psychological Science, supports the view that older people should continue to challenge themselves and learn new skills.   They found that in a group of 60-90 year olds, those … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 4 Comments